Bomb threat closes W. Va. Chick-fil-A on ‘appreciation day’

A bomb threat closed a Chick-fil-A franchise in West Virginia for several hours on Wednesday as supporters across the country participated in an organized “appreciation day” of the fast-food chain.

The Journal-News reported that a Chick-fil-A in Martinsburg was closed for about three hours after a bomb threat was called in around lunchtime. According to the report, the caller said a “device” had been put inside the restaurant.

Police allowed customers back inside after no bomb was found inside the restaurant.

“We prosecute to the fullest extent that the law allows for anyone making these types of threats,” Martinsburg City Police said in a news release.

Chick-fila-A has recently found itself embroiled in a public relations fiasco after its president expressed support for traditional marriage. Supporters of gay marriage have promoted boycotting the restaurant as a result.

In response, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee announced that Aug. 1 would be “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.” As a result, supporters of Chick-fil-A dined at the restaurant on Monday.

People tweeted and Facebooked photos of long lines at franchises across the country. A company spokeswoman declined to comment on the increase in business.

“As a privately held company Chick-fil-A does not comment publicly about our sales figures,” spokeswoman Erica Martinez told The Daily Caller on Wednesday.

Wednesday’s bomb threat isn’t the only unfortunate event to occur as pro-gay marriage supporters protest the company. On Friday, Donald A. Perry, the company’s vice president of corporate public relations, died of a heart attack.